Friday-Sept. 1. On the surface, there’s little that would seem to unite the offerings at the Colorado State Fair & Rodeo, which was first held in southern Colorado in 1872 as part of a Colorado Agricultural and Industrial Association show. But a second look at the events, which kick off Aug. 22, reveals the truth in the programming: it simply reflects what normal Coloradans — whoever they might be — do for work and fun. For some that’s livestock rearing and competitions, or rodeos, MMA fights and demolition derbies. For others that’s going to a concert (this year’s offerings include Clay Walker, Chris Young, Korn, Tony Orlando and Grupo Control) or comedy show (Colorado fave Gabriel Iglesias). Free and kid-friendly events? They’ve got those, too. Check out the massive schedule at coloradostatefair.com. 1001 Beulah Ave. in Pueblo. Various prices. 800-876-4567.

has covered everything from comedy, music, film, books and video games to breaking news, business and technology for The Denver Post. He's the author of the Speck/Fulcrum nonfiction book "Mock Stars" and an occasional contributor to Rolling Stone, Esquire and others. As a Dayton, Ohio native, his love of Guided by Voices is about equal to his other obsessions, including Peter Jackson's Middle-earth, "Mr. Show" quotes and Onitsuka Tigers.

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